The Croatian hitman could be the ideal replacement for Romelu Lukaku at Everton, should the Belgian leave as expected.
Despite the Toffees’ heavy expenditure in the transfer window so far this summer, Ronald Koeman will likely have to be even more active in the coming weeks.
According to the Express, Romelu Lukaku’s exit from Goodison Park is edging ever closer, with the Belgian set for a medical in LA, before completing his move to Manchester United.
If and when the 24-year-old does eventually leave Everton as expected, Koeman will obviously have to bring another striker to the club, and an interesting option for them could be Juventus hitman Mario Mandzukic.
Juventus’ Mario Mandzukic celebrates
The 31-year-old has proven himself as an elite goalscorer during spells with Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and now Juve.
He demonstrated his versatility last season by excelling in an unfamiliar left-wing role for the Turin giants, scoring 11 goals and chipping in with four assists.
The Croatia international is most effective when operating through the middle as a centre-forward, however, and he would surely be a hit on Merseyside, what with his impressive work-ethic, and team ethos.
Standing at 6ft 3in, Mandzukic has the frame needed to fill in for Lukaku at Everton, and with his superb aerial ability, along with his knack of finding space in the opposition’s penalty box, he would surely improve upon the potency of the Blues’ attacking play.
He still has three years remaining on his current deal with the Old Lady, so he certainly won’t come cheap, but armed with the £75 million Lukaku money, Everton will be able to throw their weight around in the transfer market.
And if Koeman does manage to bring Mandzukic to Merseyside, it could turn out to be a wonderful piece of business for Everton, if he manages to replicate the form that he has shown over the past decade or so.
Juve’s Mario Mandzukic in action
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